Association of zinc and copper with clinical parameters in the preterm newborn

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Nutrition
• Pediatric Neurology
• Trace Element Metabolism

Background:

• Preterm infants experience rapid growth, increasing their risk of essential nutrient deficiencies like zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) crucial for brain development.
• Understanding these deficiencies is vital for optimizing neurodevelopmental outcomes in premature neonates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between serum zinc and copper levels, gestational age, and anthropometric measurements at birth in preterm infants.
• To identify predictors of serum zinc and copper concentrations in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of medical records for 59 preterm infants (<35 weeks gestational age) born between January 2010 and August 2012.
• Collected data included gestational age, anthropometric parameters (bodyweight, body length, head circumference), and serum zinc and copper levels at birth.
• Correlational and stepwise multiple regression analyses were performed to assess relationships.

Main Results:

• Serum zinc levels showed an inverse correlation with gestational age, bodyweight, body length, and head circumference.
• Serum copper levels were inversely correlated with the standard deviation score for bodyweight, body length, and head circumference.
• Gestational age independently predicted serum zinc levels, while head circumference standard deviation score independently predicted serum copper levels.

Conclusions:

• Prematurity significantly influences zinc status at birth in preterm infants.
• Intrauterine head growth restriction is associated with copper status at birth in this population.
• Further research is warranted to explore the link between intrauterine growth restriction and brain copper metabolism in preterm neonates.